How to Identify a Thoroughbred Horse Champion

Owning and training a Thoroughbred horse is no small investment when it comes to both time and money. In order to make sure you are investing your resources in a prime candidate to become a champion, it helps to know a few tips to lead you in the right direction when selecting your horse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Investigate the Thoroughbred's genetics. Though there are no guarantees that the progeny of two champion Thoroughbreds will be a champion himself, it's certainly a good start. Scientists are even investigating evidence that there is a traceable champion bloodline, so checking out your horse's family tree is an excellent place to begin looking for your champion.
2. Examine the horse's muscular structures. The horse should be muscular with highly toned contours. Any evidence of uneven bulk in any one area indicates that the horse was not properly cared for during its training, and was potentially rushed through its development.
3. Observe the horse's gait and movement. A champion will have a fluid and graceful gait while still being strong. Thoroughbred champions will generally also have a long stride as well.
4. Assess the Thoroughbred's temperament. Though personality really has very little to do with how fast they can run, a skittish horse may be easily spooked or prone to throwing the jockey. Thoroughbreds are sensitive animals that respond best to respectful handling, so it is often a sign of rough training if the animal behaves badly towards its handlers.
5. Inspect the horse's feet to identify any problems. Thoroughbreds often have trouble with their feet being too small, flat or thin-soled to make solid runners. A champion will have properly proportioned feet with thick, arched soles.
6. Determine the horse's overall health by taking in their general appearance. Thoroughbred champions are some of the most beautiful horses in the world. These animals have graceful necks and attractive heads with fluid, silky manes and tails. Any indication of poor maintenance or health will show itself in a patchy, dry coat or a glassy stare. Horses are much like people in personality, so an ill horse will not take much interest in food or visitors.
7. Review the thoroughbred's records of winning. Even horses that have not been able to make it to any major events will have times and other information recorded by their trainers. This is used to identify any weaknesses a horse may have, and what kind of training they may benefit from. There have been cases of horses with bad attitudes, major injuries and insignificant blood lines becoming Triple Crown winners, so checking a horse's track record is the best way to determine his champion potential.

Tips & Warnings

• It isn't just the horse that matters when trying to identify a champion. If a horse has been poorly trained or had overly aggressive trainers, the horse's chances of being a true champion are lowered.